England: Max Ranft (Dérive)
Program: UW Global Launch in London
I woke early to the sun reflecting into my window from the prolific cream and white colored townhouses synonymous with South Kensington. In my short time here in London, I have learned that mornings such as these-with a warm, glowing sun deserve to be savored.
Walking down Gloucester, I left my rain jacket at home, and brought sunglasses and not my usual umbrella. As the morning progresses, it becomes increasingly clear that others had the same idea; cafes are full, women walk in groups with strollers, and the town, still tired from the weekend, wakes from its slumber.
Holland Park was an immersive experience that reminded me so much of home. Squirrels, birds, and other animals replaced screeching scooters and bicycles, while the crunch underneath my feet from mulch and grass substituted pavement.
Although, I was not alone in this experience. Old and young, people of all backgrounds, wanderers and runners, all took the opportunity to experience the park.
Unlike Hyde or Regent’s Park, Holland Park felt fragmented. When walking, I encountered aristocratic remnants besides communal play spaces. Aesthetic and curated landscapes juxtapose organic and overgrowing foliage. The Kyoto Garden directed me in a controlled and intimate experience, and empties into a beautiful residential area.
The townhouses and mansions are symmetrical reminders of the Victorian and Edwardian Eras. Both inviting and exclusive, the white terraces, wrought-iron fencing, and ornate porticos line the streets.
Max Ranft
Program Name: UW Global Launch in London
Major: Business and Economics
Hometown: Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
During the duration of this program, I hope to create an international network of peers and friends while immersed in the rich history and culture that London has to offer. I look forward to widening my horizons and engaging with diverse ideas and academic approaches.
I am most interested in seeing how the city of London balances its rich history with its position as a modern metropolis. I’m curious to see how historical traditions and institutions continue to shape daily life while the city embraces innovation and rapid technological growth.